Fashion and the Steal

Stunningly Beautiful Works of Art

I discovered Calabarte through one of the interior design zines I follow. These pieces are so amazing that I just had to reach out to the talented creator Przemek. Przemek Krawczyński is from Poland and manually crafts these stunning one-of-a-kind pieces. I definitely am obsessing about these.

Here's some background info from Przemek:

"Gourd lamps are my passion and work. I absolutely love what I do. Take a look on my galleries....

The gourd is an annual tropical vine originating in Africa and Asia. Its dried, lignified fruits are used for various decorative as well as practical purposes. My lamps are made from this unique fruit through a process of manual perforation and framing.

Wholly natural materials and the highest quality of craftsmanship allow for unusual effects. In each interior they create a unique atmosphere, which makes it possible to enjoy light in more than just pragmatic terms.

As the shape of the fruit is determined by nature, and the framing created manually, each lamp is one of its kind.

I want to make extraordinary lamps for people who appreciate original, exceptional things, highest quality, precision and caring for details."

The lamps are made in either a stand, hanging or bracket/sconce style. I love how they look like art when the light is off. And then they look like an art/light installation you'd see in a museum when the light is on.

Calabarte ships worldwide. To learn/see more, go to the Calabarte Facebook page: facebook.com/calabarte

Events for July

There are two upcoming month-long events in July ... I'm sure you will want to check these out:

Independent Retailers Month

... it promises to be chock-full of contests, giveaways, etc. Event updates coming soon

iTunes Festival - London 2011

The opening page of the app states:

"31 nights. 62 bands. 1 venue"

The venue is the Roundhouse, in North London

This month-long event features established and emerging artists. Artists include Paul Simon, Linkin Park, Adele, Foo Fighters, Swedish House Mafia, Raphael Saadiq, Coldplay, Moby ...

There are performances scheduled for every day of July, a good amount of days have two ... There are also Studio Sessions

Each performance can be downloaded. The app is free on itunes. Click on the image for more info and to download the app.

Sample Sale Saturday Update

Hot Upcoming Sale Event:

Versace to Design Iconic Collection - H&M Autumn 2011

Hear Donatella's view on the collaboration ... Partnering designers speak in this video directly from H&M.

A Sneak Peak at Versace for H&M

I received the press release from H&M's people this evening ... along with some pictures you'll want to see ...

It seems that for this joint venture, Donatella decided to reach back to the vibrant heritage of the Versace brand. We're talking leather, print, bold colours in Versace's typical exuberant style, all in exclusive materials that will be available at fantastic H&M prices.

The collection will include soon to be coveted items for women, men in addition to selected pieces for the home. It will be available on November 17th in approx. 300 stores worldwide, AND on-line (Go H&M!!!).

Special Treat: Donatella Versace has also designed a pre-spring collection for H&M. It will be exclusively available in countries with H&M on-line sales on January 19, 2012.

Watch the Prada & Gucci Men's Show Live

Straight from the runways in Milan. Just remember the time for Prada is CET; Milan time. Click on the images for access.

Fashion News & Events to Check Out

Bliss & Style Firm Partner

Los Angeles-based fashion active wear label Style Firm Los Angeles www.stylefirmclothing.com
announces the launch of their exclusive e-commerce partnership with Bliss on blissworld.com. Bliss started featuring Style Firm Los Angeles as an exclusive active wear collection through their online store on June 1st. This will be followed by their July 2011 print catalog.

The First Luxury Fund in China

With all the buzz about China being prime for luxury, it's no surprise that the stock market wanted a piece. Fullgoal Fund Management of China will focus on investing in global luxury brands.

Events at Prada

Private Sale at Anastasia

I LOVE the brands they carry.

Jacqueline Conoir Blowout Sale

Jacqueline Conoir will be moving into a new location in mid-July. They are hosting a big blow out sale at the current location at 46 W.6th Ave.

Pamella Roland Sample Sale

As a CFDA member, she has been the label of choice for style savvy women and Hollywood’s elite. Her timeless and elegant designs have been worn by A-list celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Hilary Swank, Jennifer Garner, Halle Berry and Eva Longoria and many more.

Thursday, June 23rd & Friday, June 24th
10:00 AM-5:00 PM
501 Seventh Avenue suite 300 (at 37th Street)
Payment: Cash and Credit

Was $2,980 - Now $150
Was $3,465 – Now $200
Was $2,695 - Now $150

PONO: Earth-Conscious High-End Jewelery

PONO - the Hawaiian translation is goodness. PONO supports charitable causes and uses natural materials that are reclaimed by-products from various industries. Materials often include metals, wood, horn, Italian resin, etc.

PONO's creator is Joan Goodman, president of Bobbi Trim Ltd. Bobbi Trim is one of the most fashion forward button manufacturers and distributors in NYC ... clients include Marc Jacobs, Derek Lam, Thakoon, Vera Wang and Anna Sui.

PONO has been worn by Juliane Moore, Beyonce, Paris Hilton, and has been featured in numerous magazines including Vogue Japan, Cosmopolitan, Essence, Redbook, InStyle ...

The jewelry is eye- catching. A definite temptation.

Ports 1961: An Experience in Luxury

I first noticed Ports 1961 four or five years ago. I saw an ad in a magazine and liked the style and the name. The combo made me associate the label with a shipwreck sensibility ... rich treasures paired in a quirky way that creates a new, modern style with a nod to the worldly, aristocratic past.

Since then, I look for their shows each season and watch them each time they are aired. FTV is the primary channel I watch ... The reason I'm loyal to my satellite provider.

This year, I have purchased two blouses and just ordered a third one. I'm on a blouse kick ... the lunching ladies variety - they look polished and totally, easily adds a finish to a look.

Coming back from my tangent, the first Ports blouse I received was a pleasant surprise. It had a busy, paisley-like pattern (I tend to avoid flowery patterns - not really into cutesy looks), but still had a sophisticated look with an asymmetrically-draped tie-neck. I loved it! The silk was the richest, most luxe I have ever felt (and I've felt plenty). It was thick like jersey, combined with the soothing feel of sandwashed silk.

The second blouse (the grey one - the picture doesn't do the blouse justice) I purchased delivered the same joyous response. It had an amazing drape, the same luxe feel, and the most stunningly-detailed pleats at the neck. I measured them ... they stood out a full 1.5 inches.

I have more Ports items in online shopping carts; dresses, pants, etc. ... I'm trying to exercise a little restraint.

All images, except for the grey blouse, are courtesy of style.com

Polished Bags From Designer Bryna Nicole

It's no wonder that the bags designed by Bryna Nicole look so amazingly well-made. She's a former stylist and consultant.

Bryna is based in San Francisco and likes to combine the sophistication of uptown with downtown's creativity.

Here's her design philosophy:

"... to create a stylish handbag collection that portrays the mood of the woman carrying the bag. This mood can be confident and strong, innocent or playful - it is always a little funky and somewhat functional. The woman that I design for has a strong personal style and is fashionable and worldly."

Her bags look aged; from some earlier era. Yet there's a hint of funkiness along with an ageless quality that makes me think of these bags more like collectables.

The collections are available online and in select boutiques. To shop online or get more info, go to Bryna.

Hot Designer Sales Starting Today

I received these two this morning:

Hot Sample Sales

Here's info on two upcoming sample sales, one in LA, the other in NYC: